Last updated July 2026
Evans Bay is a sheltered bay at the southern end of Wellington Harbour, bordered by Hataitai to the west, Kilbirnie and Rongotai to the south, and the Miramar Peninsula to the east. It is named after early settler George Samuel Evans and carries the Māori name Ākau Tangi. The area features a working marina, a popular shared walking and cycling path along Evans Bay Parade, and significant heritage sites including the former patent slip and a former flying-boat terminal. Residential streets sit back from the waterfront, home to around 1,122 people in 435 dwellings according to the 2018 census.
Practical Information
| Location | Southern Wellington Harbour, between Hataitai, Kilbirnie and Rongotai |
| Marina | Evans Bay Marina — 141 berths for boats 6–20 m, visitor berth available |
| Cycling/walking | Evans Bay Parade shared path — part of the City to Airport Scenic Route |
| Heritage site | Cog Park (former patent slip site) — Category 2 Historic Place |
| Population | 1,122 (2018 census), 435 dwellings; 1,128 (2023 census) |
About Evans Bay
Evans Bay lies on the western shore of the bay, sheltered from the east by the Miramar Peninsula. The waterfront is defined by Evans Bay Parade, which carries a shared pedestrian and cycling lane forming part of Wellington’s City to Airport Scenic Route. This route links the central city through to Kilbirnie and Rongotai, passing the marina and heritage areas.
Evans Bay Marina occupies the southern end of the bay and serves as a working facility for private vessels. It offers 141 berths on four non-floating piers, with facilities including power, water, sewage pump-out, toilets and showers. The nearby Evans Bay Yacht Club provides additional services such as a travel-lift and hardstand.
The bay has a long industrial and aviation history. It was the site of New Zealand’s first patent slip and later functioned as Wellington’s international flying-boat terminal. Today the waterfront combines recreational use with preserved heritage features.
The Evans Bay Patent Slip and Cog Park
The Evans Bay Patent Slip was New Zealand’s first patent slip. A provisional slipway opened in May 1863, followed by the permanent structure completed by the Wellington Patent Slip Company and officially opened in March 1873. It featured a large cradle on rails powered by steam engines and operated for vessel maintenance until the late 20th century.
Wellington City Council acquired the site and redeveloped it as Cog Park, a public reserve featuring the restored cog wheel from the original winch. The area is listed as a Category 2 Historic Place by Heritage New Zealand and forms part of a heritage zone under Wellington City Council rules. Walking paths and the shared cycle lane pass through the park.
Flying Boats at Evans Bay
From the late 1930s until 1956, Evans Bay served as Wellington’s international flying-boat terminal. TEAL (Tasman Empire Airways Limited, predecessor to Air New Zealand) operated a regular trans-Tasman service from October 1950 until 1954, with Short Solent flying boats using a pontoon dock near the patent slip site. RNZAF Short Sunderland and Consolidated Catalina aircraft also used the bay intermittently in the 1940s. The terminal closed as land-based aircraft took over international routes, and the site later housed Sea Cadets facilities.
What Visitors Often Say
Cog Park offers a quiet spot to pause while cycling or walking the waterfront path, with the large cog wheel and heritage panels providing interesting context about the patent slip and flying-boat era.
The shared path along Evans Bay Parade is popular for scenic rides or walks toward the airport, with good views across the harbour and easy access to the marina area.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council – Evans Bay Marina: official details on berths, facilities and fees.
Heritage New Zealand – Evans Bay Patent Slip: listing details and heritage status for the former slip site.
Wikipedia – Evans Bay: geography, history and demographic summary with references to primary sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Evans Bay named after?
George Samuel Evans, one of Wellington’s early European settlers. The bay also carries the Māori name Ākau Tangi.
What is Cog Park?
Cog Park is the public reserve on the former Evans Bay Patent Slip site. It features the restored cog wheel from the steam winch and is a Category 2 Historic Place.
When did the patent slip operate?
A provisional slip opened in 1863 and the permanent New Zealand’s first patent slip opened in March 1873. It remained in use for vessel maintenance for many decades.
Was Evans Bay an airport?
It served as Wellington’s international flying-boat terminal from the late 1930s until 1956, with TEAL operating regular services to Australia from 1950.
Is there cycling along Evans Bay?
Yes. Evans Bay Parade includes a shared pedestrian and cycling path that forms part of the City to Airport Scenic Route.
How many berths does Evans Bay Marina have?
The marina has 141 berths suitable for boats 6–20 m in length, plus one visitor berth for stays up to one month.
Are dogs allowed at Cog Park?
The park is a popular dog-exercising area with walking paths available for public use.
What is the current population of Evans Bay?
The statistical area had 1,122 residents in the 2018 census and 1,128 in the 2023 census.
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